In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 859 The Rise of the "Lin Clan"

"Boss, besides that, I also unexpectedly heard some news." Cui Zilong's voice came from the other end of the phone again.

"Oh? You tell me," Lin Haoran asked curiously.

"I understand that in addition to financial giants such as Citigroup stepping in, Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett also gave an interview to CNN this morning New York time."

In the interview, Mr. Buffett, much like Citigroup, harshly criticized Forbes' actions, calling their reporting careless, irresponsible, and contrary to basic principles of business reporting.

Lin Haoran was somewhat surprised.

Unexpectedly, even Buffett stepped in to help him?

Although it was somewhat unexpected, he wasn't too surprised.

After all, his remarks at Citibank had reached Buffett's ears, and Buffett had personally flown to Boston to consult him about the underlying logic of the US stock market decline and his predictions for the future.

Although the Boston conversation was brief, Hao Ran's views on inflation, interest rates, and the potential for market adjustments due to excessive speculation, based on his understanding of future economic cycles and historical trends, proved to be remarkably prescient and must have left a deep impression on Buffett.

Although he doesn't yet know the current situation and investment status of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett must have made a lot of money from this opportunity.

As the second-largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, Lin Haoran and Buffett can be considered partners.

Therefore, it was not entirely unexpected that Buffett was the first to stand up for Lin Haoran after Citibank, but Lin Haoran could not forget the friendship that Buffett had shown by standing up for him and declaring war on Forbes.

Although Buffett and his Berkshire Hathaway are not very large now, they are worlds apart from giants like Citigroup.

However, Buffett already had an unparalleled influence in the financial industry.

Among so many stock traders worldwide, he is the only one called a stock market guru, which shows that his investment ability is truly recognized.

His standing up to support Lin Haoran and criticizing Forbes will naturally bring considerable help to Lin Haoran.

After all, Buffett has a huge following in the financial investment world.

Now that he has publicly spoken out for Lin Haoran, the effect is naturally extraordinary.

“Mr. Buffett specifically mentioned you during his interview,” Cui Zilong continued, his tone tinged with pride. “He said: I have had in-depth exchanges with Mr. Lin Haoran, who is a young investor with extraordinary insight and rigorous logic.”

I was deeply impressed by his many thoughts on markets and the economy, especially his exquisite balance between long-term value and short-term risk.

Forbes' report on such a true discoverer of value and responsible business leader is not only wrong, but also a disregard for his vision and responsibility.

Lin Haoran asked with a smile, "Is there anything else?"

"Boss, there really is one. Didn't I report to you before that a university in the United States recently established a club called 'Linmen'?"

In less than ten days since its establishment, the "Linmen" has spread from MIT and Harvard to more than a dozen universities in several states in the northeastern United States, and even New York University has established a branch, rapidly expanding in scale.

Even universities in Canadian cities like Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec, which border the northeastern states of the United States, are reportedly planning to establish a 'Linmen'.

Following the statements from Citigroup and Buffett today, the main founders of this "Linmen" group also reacted swiftly.

They organized small-scale support events on the campuses of more than ten universities, including Harvard, MIT, and NYU, distributed fact-checking briefs based on a Citibank statement and an interview with Buffett, and issued a brief statement.

Cui Zilong's voice carried a hint of novelty and admiration: "This statement, issued in the name of 'all members of the Lin family,' supports you and Oriental Media, and condemns the false report by Forbes."

They also specifically cited your previous speech at MIT about 'thinking independently, respecting facts, and creating long-term value,' arguing that Forbes' actions precisely violated these principles.

Although student clubs have limited influence, within top universities, especially among young elites, this spontaneous support based on shared ideals carries significant symbolic meaning and future potential.

As Lin Haoran listened, a strange feeling welled up in his heart.

He never imagined that his speech at MIT and his subsequent remarks at Citibank would not only influence investment giants like Buffett, but also give rise to a student community on the other side of the ocean, bound together by his ideas.

These young people from top universities spontaneously organized themselves to study, discuss, and try to put his business and investment ideas into practice, and even stood up to support him when he encountered public opinion storms.

This is not just about support, but also about the transmission of ideas and the budding of a community.

These young people are likely to become elites in Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and even in various fields around the world in the future.

Their recognition and adherence to "Lin Haoran's Thought" may have a more valuable long-term impact than any current business collaboration.

Lin Haoran was somewhat moved upon hearing this.

Unexpectedly, the Lin family has developed so rapidly.

When he first heard that an organization called "Linmen" had appeared in the United States, he thought it was just a small group of people causing trouble.

Unexpectedly, in such a short time, it has already expanded to more than a dozen universities.

Who knows, one day every college in the United States might have a club called "Forest Gate"!

It's unimaginable, truly unimaginable.

He wasn't even American; he was just a Chinese businessman from a small town in the Far East.

Lin Haoran thought for a moment and said, "That's really unexpected. These young people have ideas and the ability to take action. However, we can't interfere in this matter, otherwise it will only displease the relevant departments in the United States. Let them be, President Cui. You just need to pay more attention to this matter."

“I understand, boss. I will keep an eye on things and report back to you immediately if there are any new developments,” Cui Zilong replied.

"Well, it's late, so I won't disturb your rest any longer. Fax the documents over first, and then get some rest!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

"Okay, boss, fax the information over right away," Cui Zilong replied respectfully.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran did not leave the study immediately.

He walked to the window, gazing at the tranquil hillside of Victoria Peak in the night and the twinkling lights of Victoria Harbour in the distance, but his thoughts had already drifted to the other side of the ocean.

Whether now or decades from now, the United States remains the world's strongest economy.

Therefore, he cannot give up the US market; in fact, he will likely deepen his presence there.

The greater his influence and the more allies he has in the United States, the more advantageous it will be for his strategic plans in the US.

Therefore, he is quite satisfied with the current situation in the United States, which has even exceeded his expectations.

The fax machine hummed softly behind me as it slowly ejected sheets of paper.

Lin Haoran turned around, picked up the report that had just arrived, and began to read it carefully.

Cui Zilong summarized the information very well, allowing him to see the key points at a glance.

Citibank's statement was strongly worded, logically sound, and based on detailed data, making it a textbook example of a public relations counterattack.

The summary of Buffett's interview reveals the investment giant's undisguised appreciation and support for him. His assessment of "a delicate balance between long-term value and short-term risk" is a succinct and accurate summary of his core philosophy.

The brief description of "Lin Men," though only a few words, intensified the strange feelings in Lin Haoran's heart.

These things are all closely related to him.

Most importantly, this directly demonstrates that Lin Haoran's influence has quietly transcended the realm of commerce and capital, and has begun to penetrate into the fields of thought and the future.

"Lin Men..." Looking at the report in his hand, Lin Haoran murmured the name, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

Perhaps, in the future, this club founded by American college students may bring him unexpected help.

He took his teacup and walked to the huge world map in the study.

Our gaze travels from Hong Kong across the Pacific Ocean to the east coast of North America.

Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Albany...

Those universities with active "forest schools" are like scattered sparks, each shining with its own unique light.

"Once the seed of an idea is sown, its vitality often exceeds imagination." Lin Haoran took a sip of warm milk and pondered.

The spontaneous gathering and research of these elite students from top universities is far more significant than a typical "fan club".

They are deconstructing, understanding, and disseminating his business philosophy in an academic way, which is implicitly building a theoretical system and a discourse power for him.

In the West, especially in the business and finance sectors, the power of discourse often lies with institutions and individuals who possess mature theoretical frameworks and a wealth of successful case studies.

The endorsements from Citigroup and Buffett address the issues of "reputation" and "strength".

The emergence of the "Lin School" may be able to resolve the issues of "right of interpretation" and "inheritance of ideas" in the future.

When future leaders of Wall Street and Silicon Valley begin to systematically discuss the "Lin Haoran Model" and the "Long-Term Value Balance Theory" during their school years, the influence of this ideology will be profound and lasting.

Of course, all of this is predicated on the premise that "Linmen" can develop healthily and independently, and that its core members can truly grow into future industry leaders.

This takes time and luck.

But at least, a good start has been made.

These are some of the most talented people in the United States.

In the future, perhaps these people can become his talent pool!

All of this was something he could never have imagined before.

It's astonishing that someone would use his ideas as the core to form a community in a distant foreign land, and that this community would spread rapidly.

This even gave him a sense of unreality, as if the reflection in the mirror was too clear, making him doubt whether the other side of the mirror truly existed. "It seems that what I said at MIT resonated with quite a few people." Lin Haoran put down his teacup, his fingertips lightly tapping the location of the east coast of North America on the world map.

He recalled that speech.

At the time, he didn't prepare any groundbreaking theories. He simply combined his knowledge of American economic history from his previous life with an explanation of the economic predicament the United States was currently facing, thus incorporating his own investment philosophy into the discussion.

He emphasized independent thinking and not being influenced by popular opinion;

He spoke about respecting the facts and opposing blind optimism that is detached from fundamentals;
He talked about creating long-term value, rather than pursuing short-term gains.

These ideas may not seem particularly novel today, but in that era of rampant speculation and emerging bubbles, they were like a breath of fresh air.

More importantly, his successful practices, whether it's his early warnings of US stock market corrections, his numerous successful investments in the past, or his recent "Revival Fund" that turned the tide in Hong Kong, all provide highly convincing real-world examples of these ideas.

The combination of theory and practice, especially successful practice, is what truly impresses those brilliant minds.

The members of "Lin Men" probably admire not only his wealth, but also his proven "way of thinking" and "logic of action".

They wanted to understand how this young man from the East, who was the same age as them, or rather, a slightly older young man, could see through those complex economic cycles and how he made seemingly risky but actually accurate decisions time and time again.

This kind of recognition based on rational inquiry is much more stable than the worship based on the halo of wealth.

Lin Haoran's gaze continued to move across the map, landing on several cities in southeastern Canada, including Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City.

Cui Zilong mentioned that there was also an intention to establish a branch of the "Linmen" there.

The speed and breadth of its spread certainly exceeded his expectations.

This is not just a "trendy" trend in the northeastern American college community, but may be a resonance of ideas that transcends national borders.

Canada's top universities also attract a large number of outstanding young people whose thinking on business and investment is not fundamentally different from that of their American neighbors.

Since Lin Haoran's ideas have found resonance at Harvard and MIT, it is not surprising that they have also resonated at McGill University and the University of Toronto.

A youth network spanning major academic centers in the US and Canada, centered on researching his business ideas...

This prospect made Lin Haoran take a deep breath.

what does this mean?
This means that in the next ten or twenty years, when he needs to expand his North American business, find partners, or even make certain strategic moves, there may be a group of middle and senior management talents who have long agreed with his core ideas and have conducted in-depth research on him to choose from.

They are not ordinary employees, but "like-minded people" who joined with understanding, identification, and even a sense of mission.

In fact, these people could be considered elite talents who idolize him.

This is more efficient than any headhunting firm and more effective than any corporate culture indoctrination.

Of course, all of this is based on the premise that "Linmen" can continue to develop healthily and that its core members can indeed grow into outstanding talents.

But in any case, this beginning has opened a window full of imagination for him.

Lin Haoran put down the documents in his hand and yawned.

Before I knew it, it was already 10:30 p.m.

He walked out of the study.

On the sofa in the living room, Guo Xiaohan was wearing pajamas and reading a magazine, clearly waiting for him to come out.

"Brother Haoran, have you finished your work?" Seeing Lin Haoran come out, Guo Xiaohan looked up, her eyes gentle, and put down the magazine in her hand.

"Well, there's been some new development in America." Lin Haoran sat down beside her and naturally took her hand. "Why don't you go to sleep first?"

“I want to wait for you, and I can’t sleep either.” Guo Xiaohan shook her head and leaned on his shoulder. “What happened at the Governor’s Mansion today has left me a little confused. I feel like there are so many things to do, and they are all so important.”

I'm a little nervous for you, but also very proud.

Lin Haoran put his arm around her shoulder and could feel her body tense slightly.

The series of news we received today is probably more impactful on her than it was on herself.

The possibility of a royal wedding officiating far exceeds the daily life of an ordinary newly rich business family.

"What are you nervous about?" he asked in a low voice.

"I'm afraid you won't do well, and I'm also afraid of attracting too much attention." Guo Xiaohan's voice was very soft. "Brother Haoran, I know you are very capable, more capable than anyone else, but, the tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind."

Now even Her Majesty the Queen might be involved... and there's the situation in the US too. With such a big commotion, I'm afraid some people will be jealous, or that someone might try to sabotage things.

She paused, looked up, and said with genuine concern in her eyes, "Besides, you've been working too hard lately. Things have just settled down in Hong Kong, and now you have to prepare for the wedding and deal with so many other things..."

Lin Haoran felt a warmth in his heart.

Guo Xiaohan may not fully understand all the intricacies of business and politics, and may not even know that he is mostly just a hands-off manager who doesn't have to do much work himself.

But her concern for him was pure and direct.

This concern was his most precious reassurance amidst the complexities of the game.

This is the best wife for him.

"Don't worry." He gently patted the back of her hand and smiled, "When the wind comes, the tree will grow stronger. It's inevitable that we'll attract attention, but we'll walk steadily and upright every step of the way, so we're not afraid of being seen or of the wind."

As for being tired? With you by my side, I don't feel tired at all.

Looking into his determined eyes, Guo Xiaohan's unease gradually dissipated.

Yes, her man has always been like that, able to calmly handle even the biggest storms.

She leaned back into his arms and whispered, "Yes, I believe you, but you have to promise me you won't carry everything on your own."

"Okay, I promise you," Lin Haoran promised. "However, there are some things I do need your help with."

"What is it?" Guo Xiaohan immediately sat up straight, her eyes full of seriousness and anticipation.

She has always hoped to be more involved in Lin Haoran's career and life, rather than just being a protected partner.

Although she is now the chairperson of the "Lin Haoran Charity Foundation", most of the affairs are actually handled by the company team.

Guo Xiaohan is more often seen as a representative of Lin Haoran, appearing at donation events or disaster relief visits.

Especially since the charitable foundation has only been established for a few months, she is currently in the stage of learning how to manage the charitable foundation, so her work is very flexible, sometimes busy and sometimes idle.

"The wedding," Lin Haoran said with a smile. "As you know, I have many businesses under my control now. Although the wedding date is approaching, I'm afraid I won't be able to spare much time. I'll leave the preparations for this wedding to you."

Furthermore, if—and I mean if—the royal family does agree, then the scale, procedures, etiquette details of the wedding, as well as communication and coordination with royal representatives and other important guests who may appear, will become extremely complex and sensitive.

I think this part might require your extra attention. Work with the organizing team to make it run smoothly. You're more meticulous than I am, and you understand the nuances of social etiquette better.

Guo Xiaohan's eyes lit up.

This is not just a task, but a trust and a responsibility.

Preparing a wedding that could go down in history is itself a recognition and test of her abilities, not to mention that it is a major event in her own life.

"I will definitely do my best!" she nodded vigorously, then hesitated, "But what if the royal family doesn't agree?"

“That’s the same,” Lin Haoran laughed. “Our wedding must be perfect no matter what. You are the hostess, and I trust you the most to handle these matters. I will take care of the business matters, and you are my commander-in-chief for the family and this wedding.”

These words filled Guo Xiaohan with a sweet feeling, a mix of responsibility and happiness.

She knew that Lin Haoran was using this method to make her more deeply integrated into his world and to establish her position as his partner and future mistress.

Although she always knew that Lin Haoran had other women besides her.

But she is the true legal wife, and the future matriarch of the Lin family, to be formally married.

"Okay, Haoran, you can leave it to me without worry. It's late, Haoran, go take a shower first, I'll wait for you in bed!" Guo Xiaohan said, half-pulling open her nightgown to reveal glimpses of her cleavage to Lin Haoran, giving him a seductive look.

Lin Haoran felt a surge of warmth in his heart, gently squeezed her hand, and smiled, "Okay, I'll be quick."

When Lin Haoran finished washing up and returned to the bedroom, Guo Xiaohan had already changed into a lighter and softer silk nightgown. She was leaning against the headboard, the warm yellow bedside lamp illuminating her beautiful face and slender figure.

The allure in her eyes hadn't diminished; instead, it had gained a touch of languid anticipation.

Lin Haoran lay down next to her and naturally reached out to pull her into his arms.

Guo Xiaohan snuggled closer, gently tracing circles on his firm chest with her fingers.

"Brother Haoran..." Her voice was soft and sweet, with a hint of coquetry, "Today at the Governor's Mansion, I saw you chatting and laughing with the Governor and the others. You were really amazing."

My uncle says there's no young person in the world who can compare to you right now.

"Your uncle flatters me," Lin Haoran said gently, stroking her hair.

"That's no compliment."

Guo Xiaohan looked up at him earnestly and said, "I am truly proud of you, but..."

(End of this chapter)